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Highgate Business Park is appealing a Notice of Requirement (NoR) by the New Zealand Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi (NZTA) that alters the boundary of State Highway 1 in Silverdale. Highgate is arguing that the designation is excessive and places an unreasonable burden on them as landowners.
Highgate owns nearly 16 hectares of land at the southern end of Highgate Parkway. The land in question is affected by NoR4b, and covers an area that is between 45 and 75 metres wide, totalling nearly 13,850 square metres. It is intended to allow for a future cycleway and walkway linking Highgate Parkway to the eastern side of State Highway 1, just south of the site.
The company, which has resource consents for major earthworks and is finalising resource consent for development of the site, believes the proposed designation is “grossly excessive”, stating that a 3-metre-wide cycleway and walkway do not justify a designation as wide as 75 metres. The company also argues that there is no certainty that the cycleway project will ever be constructed or the land purchased.
In its appeal, Highgate says under current rules, it can continue to use the designated land but must seek NZTA’s approval for any developments, a process that comes with no guarantees. If restrictions on land use become too severe, Highgate would be forced to apply to the Environment Court to compel NZTA to buy the land, adding further cost and uncertainty.
Highgate says the agency has failed to justify the extent of the designation and that it is inconsistent with the principles of the Resource Management Act. It is calling for the designation to be removed entirely and if not possible, it wants the width limited to no more than 20 metres.
Local emergency management plans launched
The Hibiscus and Bays Emergency Readiness and Response plan is available for residents on the Auckland Emergency Management website www.aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz and copies can be found at libraries and community centres. General Manager Auckland Emergency Management, Adam Maggs, encourages Aucklanders to become familiar with the plan for their area. “Each local board area has a unique geographical, social and hazard profile, and we’ve tailored bespoke Emergency Readiness and Response plans to meet the needs of the different areas across the region, “the plans are for everyone wherever they live. I encourage every Aucklander to read the plan for their local board area and keep the fact sheets handy. These plans aim encourage individuals and communities to take responsibility for their emergency preparedness. Serving as reliable references for households, businesses and communities to plan their own readiness activities.” The council says the plans respond to lessons learned from the devastating Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in early 2023, which highlighted the importance of local preparedness and community support during emergency events. Each plan identifies the local board area’s top hazards and provides tips on reducing risk, preparing for emergencies, and navigating the recovery process. The council intends the Emergency Response and Readiness plans to undergo regular reviews to ensure they remain current and effective.
